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Frequently Asked Questions

Got questions about Depthkit? We've got answers.

General Questions

What is Depthkit?

Depthkit is the first volumetric filmmaking tool designed to empower creators of all experience levels to participate in the cutting edge of immersive storytelling. Depthkit is downloadable software that allows you to capture full motion video and depth (also called RGBD or 2.5D Volumetric Video) for use in interactive 3D environments like Unity or WebGL.

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What can I capture with Depthkit?

You can think of Depthkit like any video camera, but enhanced with the added dimension of 3D depth. This means anything with movement is a great subject for Depthkit. People and animals are our favorite, but any moving scene can look compelling when volumetrically captured!

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Does Depthkit capture environments as well as people?

Depthkit is designed for full motion capture. Unlike other scanning software that creates static 3D models of scenes or objects, Depthkit takes a stream of 30 independent 3D scans per second for cinematic motion in true 3D.

No, Depthkit is a purely software solution. However, it does require specialized hardware that's easy to get — specifically a 3D depth sensing camera like the Microsoft Kinect or the Intel RealSense (currently, Depthkit provides experimental support for the RealSense) — as well as a Windows PC.

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See the Computer & Sensors section in this FAQ for more information on the hardware requirements for running Depthkit.

Can I integrate Depthkit into my favorite creative tools?

We currently do not support direct integration with tools other than Unity and the web. However, filming with Depthkit is very similar to shooting with a classic video camera and shares many familiar video workflows, and Depthkit encodes all depth video into standard video files. These files can be edited with your preferred video editing software and then played back in Unity or on the web.

For details on integrations with specific timelines, check out the Depthkit Forums for techniques and tips.

What's the Depthkit learning curve?

If you're new to volumetric workflows, don't worry! Depthkit is designed to complement traditional filmmaking workflows. As a result, creators of all backgrounds and experience levels can get up and running with no previous volumetric experience, but having experience in video production, 3D design, or interactive systems programming is very helpful.

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I don’t know how to code, can I still use Depthkit?

Yes, you'll be just fine — Depthkit is designed for filmmakers and non-engineers. However, if you want to make a complex story in Unity or create custom effects, you may want to find a developer to join your team.

Pricing & Licenses

How much does Depthkit cost?

Depthkit licenses are subscription-based, and the cost of a license varies by feature set. For plan comparisons, visit our Get Depthkit page.

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Is there a free trial of Depthkit?

Depthkit evaluation licenses are coming soon! We'll announce them via our newsletter and on our Get Depthkit page when they go live, so check back.

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In the meantime, anyone with a Depthkit account can login and download evaluation data and an example Unity project on the Downloads page.

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What is the difference between Depthkit Record and Depthkit Pro?

Depthkit Record features the basics needed to create volumetric captures and is ideal for those just getting started. Depthkit Pro provides the same robust sensor-based capture solution, but with the addition of a depth enhancement algorithm that produces refined HD 1080p depth captures. This feature brings depth data quality beyond what was previously possible with depth sensors alone to truly represent a realistic human form.‍

Is Depthkit Studio right for me?

Depthkit Studio will provide the software and resources to set up a 360 Depthkit capture environment in a studio setting, capable of capturing full-body volumetric video. This will include multiple sensor capture as well as the ability to synchronize professional video equipment to the array. To learn more, contact us.

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Can I get access to Depthkit pre-release tools?

Yes! Depthkit is all about sharing the latest developments, especially if you're willing to experiment and give us feedback while we work out the kinks. An Early Access program application is coming soon to Get Depthkit — check back there to sign up.

Will my Depthkit Record data work when I upgrade to Pro?

Yes, depth data captured with Record is compatible with Pro and can even be enhanced. However, we recommend that if you're planning to use the Depthkit Pro workflow, you purchase a Pro license prior to your shoot and internalize our best practices to get the best results. For instance, the depth enhancement workflow will require a green screen, and if your material wasn’t captured against one, you may not be able to refine the data.

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Do I get updates to my Looks after purchasing?

Yes! Looks are sold separately from the core Depthkit application and feature perpetual licenses with free updates.

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When we release an updated Look, we'll notify you that a new package is available for download.

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Account & License Management

How do I know I have the most recent version of Depthkit?

All Depthkit subscribers have access to the latest Depthkit software. Once downloaded and installed, Depthkit updates automatically, as long as you're connected to the Internet. When new versions are released, you'll be notified of any updates once you open the application.

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How can I upgrade my Depthkit license?

You can upgrade your subscription by going to Get Depthkit and selecting a new license and billing plan. We’ll prompt you for your credit card information and process your new subscription.

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Even though the credit card form displays the full cost of your new subscription, you'll only be charged the prorated cost of the new license — so if you’ve used two out of three months of a Depthkit Record license and want to upgrade to a Depthkit Pro annual plan, you’ll be charged the Depthkit Pro annual cost, less one month of Depthkit Record.

I just upgraded from Depthkit Record to Depthkit Pro. How do I access the new features?

Thank you for upgrading! Once you launch Depthkit and login, the application will recognize your new license and activate all Pro features. If Depthkit is currently running, you may need to restart the application to refresh your license.

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How can I downgrade my Depthkit license?

If you aren’t ready for our (Pro) jelly, you can go to Get Depthkit and downgrade to a Record license. Your new Record license will be credited the prorated amount of your remaining unused Pro license.

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Even though you won’t be charged when you downgrade, we do ask for your credit card information so that we have that on file for your next billing cycle, after your Pro credit has been fully used.

Does the subscription for my Depthkit license automatically renew?

Yes, the subscription for your Depthkit license will automatically renew on the billing cycle (either quarterly or yearly) you selected when you purchased it. You can check the date of your next renewal and billing cycle on your My Account page.

Can I pause my Depthkit license?

We don’t currently support the ability to pause and restart a license or subscription. You can cancel your subscription, which turns off the automatic renewal, and sign up for a new license when you’re ready to come back.

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How do I cancel my Depthkit subscription?

This is a very sad question for us to answer. :(

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To cancel your Depthkit license, please go to "Cancel Subscription" on your My Account Page, or contact us with your name, the email you used to register for this site and we’ll turn off automatic renewals on your account. Your license will expire after your current billing cycle is complete. We're sorry to see you go — the future of immersive media will miss you!

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If I cancel my Depthkit subscription, do I get a refund?

We don’t offer refunds on Depthkit subscriptions. When you cancel your Depthkit subscription, we turn off automatic renewals and your license will expire after your current billing cycle is complete.

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If I cancel my subscription, can I still use Depthkit?

Using Depthkit requires an active subscription, so you won't be able to use the software after you cancel your subscription and your remaining credit expires.

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Miss us? We missed you, too! You can sign up for a new license and begin using Depthkit again at anytime.

How do I delete my Depthkit account?

If you want to delete your Depthkit account, please go to "Delete Account" on your My Account Page, or contact us with your name and the email you used to register for this site, and we'll delete you from our user database.

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If you have an active Depthkit license, please note that you will no longer be able to use the software once your account is deleted.

Depthkit requires a Windows PC that meets our minimum specifications., However, support for Mac is in development and will be ready to share soon. For now, if you are using a Mac, you can get Windows with Bootcamp.

Currently, we support the Kinect for Windows v2 / Kinect for Xbox One (which requires Kinect Adapter for Windows PC). Intel RealSense integration is in development and is currently considered experimental. Read more about sensors in our documentation.

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How do I know which sensor is right for me?

Currently, we strongly recommend filming with the Kinect for stability and quality. If you're interested in shooting with an Intel RealSense depth camera, we encourage you to read about the known issues and differences between shooting with the D415 and D435.

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Can I shoot Depthkit alongside my own video camera, such as a DSLR?

Depthkit has experimental support for calibration and capture with a video camera recording simultaneously alongside the depth sensor. Please contact us if you'd like to access this experimental feature.

Can I shoot with multiple sensors?

Depthkit multi-camera capture methods are still in development and will be released with the Studio product tier. If you're interested in learning more, join the Depthkit Studio waiting list, and you'll be the first the know when multi-cam support goes live.

Support

What kind of support does Depthkit provide?

We're excited to provide a full range of technical support to make sure all Depthkit users can be successful with the toolset. Our public documentation and forums are a great way to learn more about what Depthkit is and how it works. If you've purchased a Depthkit license, you also get access to our private Slack support channel and email support with 24-hour response time

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Where can I find Depthkit operators to hire for a shoot?

Want to shoot with Depthkit, but don't have the time to learn the workflow? No problem — there are many trained and experienced Depthkit operators who are available for hire. To find an operator in your area, contact us or visit the Collaborate channel in the Depthkit Forums.

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Looking for more?

For in-depth technical information about Depthkit, please visit our public documentation, or submit a question via the contact form below.